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Aug 12, 2011

, Last Updated: 8:55 PM ET

The Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers were guests of President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday.

In a lighthearted ceremony, Obama opened his remarks by saying that, as a devoted fan of the rival Chicago Bears -- who were beaten by Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game -- it "hurts a little bit" to congratulate the Packers.

"This is a hard thing for a Bears fan to do," Obama said. "It doesn't hurt as much as the NFC Championship game hurt, but it still hurts; you guys coming to my house to rub it in.

"What are you going to do, go to [legendary Bears coach Mike] Ditka's house next?"

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was among the players from last season's Super Bowl championship team in attendance, and presented Obama with a No. 1 Packers jersey that had "COMMANDER IN CHIEF" on the nameplate.

Defensive back Charles Woodson presented Obama with a framed share of stock in the team, after which Obama joked that, as part owner, "we should initiate a trade to send Rodgers down to the Bears."

Woodson, who then noted that Obama is a minority owner, was also singled out by the president.

While visiting Green Bay prior to the Super Bowl, Obama was presented with a jersey from Woodson that had "See you at the White House" written on it. Obama said Woodson has been giving him a hard time for several months.

Obama also noted Rodgers' MVP performance -- 304 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the 31-25 victory over the Steelers. He said Rodgers' playoff run is evidence that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the game and, perhaps, all time.